EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Doña Ana County fire marshal has ordered what it being calling a “full restriction” on open-burning activities beginning Tuesday, May 27, due to ongoing drought and climate conditions, the County said.
The ban will remain in place until conditions improve. The restriction applies throughout Doña Ana County, except in incorporated municipalities or on federal and state lands where separate fire codes and ordinances may be enforced, the County said.
Starting Tuesday, no open burning will be allowed within the jurisdiction of Doña Ana County Fire Rescue. No burn permits will be issued or honored for open burning of vegetation until further notice, the County said.
This restriction does not apply to the “careful and monitored use of recreational items such as barbecue grills or small bonfires on private property, as long as the fire remains contained and attended at all times,” the County.
Violators may face fines of $100 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for repeat violations.
Doña Ana County is “experiencing extreme drought,” with the southern region classified as being the most severe, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor Report published May 22, the County said.
In response, New Mexico State Forester Laura McCarthy announced fire restrictions across nearly 20 counties, including Doña Ana, earlier this week.
The state order prohibits smoking, fireworks, campfires, open burning and open fires on all non-municipal, non-federal and non-tribal lands.
Additionally, the National Weather Service recently issued multiple red flag and dust storm warnings, citing wind conditions that increase the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires, the County said.
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